32 The Diseases of Animals 
surprising how easily and economically stock can be 
taken care of. 
Dogs are usually selected on account of their beauty, 
size, markings, intelligence, or some individuality that 
may appeal to the faney of the chooser. In deciding 
this matter the question of male or female is often 
important. If intended for a house dog, bitches are 
frequently preferred, as they are generally more tidy 
in habits and often more easily trained than male 
dogs. The disadvantage, provided one does not. wish 
to breed them, is the period of heat which occurs about 
onee in six months, beginning usually when the bitch 
is about one year old. During. this period there is 
a tendency for the bitch to leave home and for other 
dogs to gather and remain about the premises. When 
bitches are kept without spaying, and it is not desired 
to breed them, during the period of heat they should 
be completely isolated at a considerable distance from 
other dogs, preferably in such a place as a barn loft 
or cellar, where the dogs will not be attracted. They 
should be kept isolated for at least ten days, or during 
the whole period of heat. If the bitch is not to be 
kept for breeding purposes it is usually best to have 
her spayed, preferably before she has come in heat at 
all. Spayed bitches make excellent house dogs, the 
only objection to them being that they take on fat 
readily. In some communities unspayed bitches are 
taxed heavily in comparison with male dogs, but a 
certificate showing that the bitch has been spayed 
usually brings them under the same tax rates as other 
dogs. 
